Median Income
$52,279
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$86,400
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
580/100K
53% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.7%
65% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$632
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.0%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.9%
8% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.5%
40% lower than US avg
How Armstrong Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population709
Median Age62.3 yrs
Density806/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans8.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,279
Per Capita$33,455
Unemployment3.9%
Poverty7.5%
County GDP$519M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$86,400
Rent$632
Ownership84.5%
Zillow$166,959
Housing Units444
Rent Burden17.5%
Crime
F
Violent580/100K
Property1,134/100K
Health
Obesity42.0%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking16.1%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain32.9 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,235 ft (376 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.7%
High School+96.0%
Graduate+1.8%
School Score4.99
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute17 min
Broadband84.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Armstrong a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Armstrong receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Armstrong has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Armstrong is $52,279, 30% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.9%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Armstrong is $86,400, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $632 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 580 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,134 per 100,000, 42% below the national average.
Education
11.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Armstrong has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.9 inches, including 39.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Armstrong has a population of 709 with a density of 806 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 62.3 years, 60% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.1% female and 50.9% male. The city is predominantly White (97.9%), with 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.8% of residents. 8.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
62.3yrs
Median Age
60% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Armstrong vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.8%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.2%
91% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Armstrong vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Armstrong is $52,279, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,455 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $925, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 330 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Armstrong vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,279 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,455 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $925 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,021 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.9% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.5% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 330 |
| County GDP | $519M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 28 |
| Retail | 43 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,190 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.69% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 95.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.1% |
The median home value in Armstrong is $86,400, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,959, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $632 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 444 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $3,190. 17.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $86,400 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $166,959 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $632 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.5% |
| Housing Units | 444 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,190 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.69% |
In Armstrong, 42.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 23.5% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,553. The dentist ratio is 1:2,294. 79.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Armstrong vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.0% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 34.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,553 |
| Dentists | 1:2,294 |
| Mental Health | 1:385 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 65.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,705/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 28 |
Armstrong has a violent crime rate of 580 per 100,000 residents, 53% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,134 per 100,000, 42% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Armstrong receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Armstrong vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 580.3/100K |
| 53% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,134.3/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Armstrong has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.9 inches. The area receives 39.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,235 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-10°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.8°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,235 ft (376 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 806/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3944°N, 94.4834°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Emmet County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
60 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.9"
14% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 42.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 67.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
96 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
81 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
556 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 27 fatalities, 487 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
95 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
71 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
86 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
87 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
90 km |
6 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1982 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
25 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
42 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Armstrong has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 13°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Armstrong. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $667 |
| Toddler | $575 |
| Preschool | $575 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $450 |
| Toddler | $443 |
| Preschool | $443 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Armstrong
What is the population of Armstrong?
Armstrong has a population of 709 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 806 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 62.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.1% female and 50.9% male.
Is Armstrong expensive to live in?
Armstrong is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $52,279, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $86,400 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $632 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Armstrong safe?
The violent crime rate in Armstrong is 580 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,134 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Armstrong receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Armstrong?
Armstrong has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.9 inches, with 39.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Armstrong?
Armstrong has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $925. There are 330 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 1.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Armstrong?
The median home value in Armstrong is $86,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,959. For renters, the median monthly rent is $632. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,190.
How are the schools in Armstrong?
Schools in Armstrong score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.7% of adults in Armstrong hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. 1.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Armstrong?
The obesity rate in Armstrong is 42.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,553.
What is transportation like in Armstrong?
The average commute in Armstrong is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 95.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Armstrong?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Armstrong is 97.9% White, 1.1% Black or African American. 98.8% of residents speak only English at home. 8.2% of the population are military veterans. 23.2% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
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